Round 93

Silra's hands move with practiced precision as she works on the sybian, her focus unwavering despite the tension in the room. She knows Jeane is growing increasingly frustrated, can feel the sexual energy radiating off her friend in waves. But she refuses to give in to the building's demands—not yet, not like this. The elf technomancer adjusts a wiring harness with deft fingers, her expression neutral as she addresses the practical problem at hand. "We need a more robust power supply," she says calmly, avoiding eye contact with Jeane. "Something that can maintain consistent output for extended periods." She glances up briefly, meeting Halie's understanding gaze before returning to her work.*

Silra understands the pressure—understands the building's insidious influence better than most. But she won't be manipulated into another round of group sex just because Jeane can't control herself. Not without a fight, at least. She tightens a screw with unnecessary force, the metal protesting under her grip. "Unless you'd prefer to keep swapping out batteries every few minutes," she adds, her voice dripping with disdain.* "That seems... efficient."

Jeane's wings twitch visibly, and Silra suppresses a sigh. This is exactly what she was afraid of—Jeane's impatience boiling over into aggression. She sets the wrench down carefully, giving herself a moment to center before continuing. "Or we could finally admit that this thing has us by the balls," she mutters under her breath, loud enough for only Halie to hear. "And do what it wants before someone gets hurt."

Halie nods almost imperceptibly, her hand moving to rest on Silra's shoulder in a gesture of solidarity. The two women share a look that speaks volumes—silent agreement that they'll resist as long as possible, even if it means facing Jeane's wrath. Silra turns back to the sybian, her jaw set in determination. "Fine," she announces to the room at large, voice tight with barely contained frustration.* "If you want this thing fixed, we do it my way. No more... performances until I say so."